He was his guardian as well as mentor, yet Chief Alabi Adeyemi John, 94, a World War II veteran whose sojourn in the colonial Nigeria army inspired the late Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle to take up a career in the army, said he doesn’t know where the late civil war hero got his ‘Black Scorpion’ nickname from. He spoke with BISI OLADELE
What is your relationship with the late Gen Benjamin Adekunle?
He was my younger brother; we hailed from the same compound. His father was one of my brothers in the extended family.
What can you say about his early days?
I don’t really know, but he started staying with me in 1942 in Kaduna, when I was in the Nigeria Army.
How old was he then?
He was around 16 years old
What was he doing for you then?
He was taking care of me. After his school hours, he would come to the barracks to take care of my uniforms and bootý. He ironed my clothes and uniforms too. He was with me till 1943 before I went for the Second World War in Burma, India. We parted ways since then and by the time I was fully back in the country, he had joined the Nigerian Army and fought in the Nigerian civil war
What kind of boy was he when he was living with you?
He was an active, tough, brilliant young boy. He was strong and agile.
What were the unique attributes of late Gen Benjamin then?
I think he developed interest in the military through the activities he witnessed while living with me in the barracks then. He got the inspiration to join the military from me.
Apart from helping you in house chores, what other things can you say about him?
He was just active, trustworthy and reliable. He was a good helper at all times.
What was his level of discipline?
He was really disciplined. He never stole. He was obedient.
Did he ever discuss his future ambition with you throughout the time you were together?
No. But I noticed that he liked what I was doing then. It showed in the way he took care of my uniforms and other dress items.
When you learnt that he had joined the army, how did you feel?
I felt somehow happy that he followed his heart. But I didn’t like it because of the challenges we faced in the army then. Anyway, he loved it and we thank God that he went and returned with success and fame.
What challenges were you facing then?
We went for road march, patrols etc. there was no rest. They called for us for road march, parade, night drillings etc at any time of the day.
On whose side did you fight as a soldier during the Second World War and where did you fight?
I fought in Burma and India and we fought against the Japanese who were supporting the Germans.
Which other nationals did you fight along with?
We fought along with Camerounians, Sierra Leoneans, Egyptians and Indians, Gambians and many people from South Africa.
So, what did that experience teach you?
It taught me a sense of unity. It taught me that in unity, we can achieve a lot.
Having fought in a world war, how did you feel seeing Adekunle going for civil war?
I was proud of him and his activities from the reports I heard about him. I saw that he was actually pursuing a long-term dream.
When he came back from the civil war with success and fame, how did you feel?
I felt very happy.
Every time you remembered that Benjamin Adekunle was your nephew, how did you feel?
I always feel proud till today.
What did Gen. Adekunle bring to the entire family?
It is not only to the entire family but to the whole country and Ogbomoso in particular. He did what was expected of him during the war. He played his part well. It is just unfortunate that he was not well rewarded. Other people were given ranks. Adekunle should have been a full general, not a brigadier general. I don’t know why he was so looked down upon.
Now that he is dead, what do you think the Federal Government should do?
They should do what he deserves.
Is any of Adekunle’s son or relations in the military?
Yes. One of his nephews is in the American Army now. His name is David Adekunle.
What regrets do you have as a family about Gen. Adekunle’s exploits and entire life?
We regret that his hard work and sacrifice for Nigeria is not well recognized.
Where did he get the nick name, Black Scorpion?
I don’t know.
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